Suppose that resume you made is all right and you feel confident with it.
However, it is important to recall that:
- 47% of HR managers do not always consider it their duty to read the cover letters;
- 53% prefer candidates who have such letters.
It is understood that applying for a job, the necessity arises for writing the cover letter to differ advantageously from other candidates.
But this type of document can seriously spoil the initial impression. That is, a poorly prepared document can easily create a backlash. Therefore, before you start drawing up, bear in mind the following important points:
- clear, concise tone, to the point;
- awareness about the employer;
- literacy;
- confirmed personal skills;
- brevity;
- concrete proposals in favour of the company;
- the use of the document as the seriousness of your intentions.
Or consult the professional cover letter writer if you find all above-said do not carry sufficient weight.
Anyway, your resume can go to the basket in case you afford yourself to make one of the mistakes set out below.
1. Derogation from standards
Your motivation document must be executed in accordance with the business letter format, where the date, the recipient’s postal and your own address should be indicated.
2. Personal History
It doesn’t quite sound very logical, but CV and the letter attached should tell about the employer as much as about yourself. You have to position yourself and be taken seriously as a job applicant, but this should be related to the activity and objectives of a company and certain requirements to the candidate for a particular position.
3. Misprints and bad grammar
Employers tend to perceive typos and grammatical errors as evidence of your negligence and even illiteracy. Re-read every email you send. Contact a competent person or a skilled friend to give their feedback.
4. Unsupported allegations
Many covering papers take up the subject of all sorts of positive talents and abilities of the applicant. However, such statements can be nothing short of mere words and intentions, unless supported by evidence. Give some examples demonstrating your good qualities.
5. Voluminous story
A successful accompanying letter should be no more than one page in maximum length. HR departments are daily engulfed by routine CV and supporting papers. Check and make sure the transmittal message contains 3-4 concise, understandable and convincing rubrics.
6. A universal text for all occasions
An experienced HR representative will immediately see that the same sample text is used for any company and any position. The documented evidence must propose solutions to problems and challenges of a certain company and a specific department in order to show you have a stake in obtaining a position.
7. A sort of cover note
But this is, at best, because some see fit:
- not to send such a document at all;
- just to scribble “enclosed please find”;
- to write down a few words on a slip of paper.
Try to make it in a proper way, for only then could you expect that your candidature is considered on its merits.